Louisiana Federal Criminal Appeals Attorneys Find Legal Errors on Appeal
We Are Federal Criminal Appeals
Federal Criminal Appeals lawyers have a unique skill set that is very different than Federal trial lawyers. Success in the Federal Appellate Courts requires keen research and writing skills as well as proficient oratory skills. Our boutique law firm handles Federal Criminal Appeals exclusively, and we have decades of experience and a track record of success in all these areas.
Being charged with violating federal law is no laughing matter. What often follows is a long list of charges and pressure from the government’s attorney to plead guilty to a lesser charge and a shorter sentence. Those who refuse are subject to the very difficult trial court process. Those who are convicted often receive very stiff sentences, as well as a mark on their record that can follow them for life. Many are left feeling that justice has not been done and many are left thinking that nothing can be done. Don’t despair. There are many post-conviction options available to challenge an illegal conviction, sentence or both, and we can help.
Contact our Louisiana federal criminal appeals lawyers for a free consultation at 1-800-APPEALS.
We are a boutique law firm experienced in protecting individual and corporate clients in complex federal criminal appeals and post-conviction relief. We serve New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Alexandria, Bossier City, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Monroe, Shreveport and any other city in Louisiana where a federal crime may have originated. We are admitted in the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, as well as the Supreme Court of the United States in Washington, D.C. Therefore, we can represent you in appealing your federal criminal conviction all the way to the top, when necessary. We have helped many people seek some of the following post-conviction relief:
- A direct appeal of your conviction, sentence or both;
- A collateral appeal raising issues outside of the trial court record;
- Motions for reconsideration seeking an acquittal, a new trial, an arrest of judgment or a sentence modification;
- Section 2254 and 2255 motions to vacate a conviction or sentence based upon new evidence, known as Writs of Habeas Corpus;
- Motions for leniency, clemency or a pardon;
- Motion seeking modification of probation; and
- Motions seeking to expunge your criminal record.
Plus, we have experience in a wide-range of federal criminal appeals including the following:
- Complex white collar crimes, financial institution fraud, health care fraud, bank fraud, computer fraud, institutional insurance fraud, large-scale mail & wire fraud and criminal tax violations;
- Federal homicides and child exploitation;
- Drug manufacturing, drug trafficking, sale of narcotics and distribution of controlled substances;
- Public corruption, civil rights violations, hate crimes, police brutality and human trafficking;
- International and domestic terrorism, immigration crimes and environmental crimes; and
- Violent crimes, firearms offenses, organized crime, criminal enterprises and gang-related crimes.
Louisiana Federal Criminal Appeals Lawyers Leave No Stone Unturned
A direct appeal is the first and best place to start your challenge. But, what is a direct appeal? It is a review of the trial court proceedings to see if they were carried-out in accordance with the law. For convictions originating in Louisiana, the reviewing court is the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. Like most post-conviction relief, a direct appeal is based entirely upon the written records of the trial court proceedings - all the documents, all the evidence and everything that was said. And, like most post-conviction relief, the appeal is submitted in a written appellate brief. There is no new trial, no new evidence, no jury and, although all proceedings before the Court are open to the public, incarcerated appellants usually do not personally appear, but the panel of judges sitting on the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals might ask your attorney to appear for oral argument.
What is the panel of judges looking for on appeal? Well, they are not going to decide whether you are guilty or innocent. Rather, they are looking for prejudicial legal errors that negatively affected the outcome of your case. The federal criminal appeals attorneys at our boutique firm believe that you should not be punished for the mistakes of others. We help safeguard your Constitutional rights by examining the trial process, analyzing the trial court record and bringing to light appealable errors including the following:
- Evidentiary issues involving large-scale narcotics sweeps, undercover officers, wiretaps, GPS tracking, cooperating witnesses, warrantless searches, illegal dog searches and unconstitutional searches of your home, business or curtilage (4th Amendment);
- Convictions based upon improperly admitted hearsay evidence, insufficient evidence, failure to disclose exculpatory evidence or supported by prosecutorial misconduct;
- Failure to provide due process of law, a fair trial, equal treatment, convictions based forced confessions or Miranda Rights violations or convictions that violate Double Jeopardy (5th Amendment);
- Deprival of the right to a speedy and public trial, the right to confront adverse witnesses including limited cross-examination testimony and the right to competent and effective assistance of counsel (6th Amendment); and
- Sentencing errors including misapplication of the United States Sentencing Guidelines, improper Guideline calculation, adjustments resulting in an increased or unreasonable sentence, errors involving restitution or supervised release or sentences amounting to Cruel and Unusual Punishment (8th Amendment).
We are celebrated writers with years of experience in constitutional, criminal and evidentiary law, a working knowledge of the trial and appellate process and we understand the nuances involved in applying and interpreting statutory and case law. We are also reputed orators. So, when called upon by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals to appear at oral argument, we will be prepared to discuss the merits of your case. Our goal is to help you reach your goal – justice.
When successful, the panel of judges will reverse the conviction, modify the sentence or remand the action back to the trial court for a new trial or hearing. However, even if your direct appeal is not successful, there are still avenues available to challenge the legality of your conviction, sentence or both.